trying to make sense of my life – and lose some weight

The Simple Act of Waiting

by Cherie Renae on March 27, 2014

I’m in Paradise. I landed last night, but it was dark and late (1 am) in my ‘native’ timezone. I awoke this morning to foreign bird call. Peering out the window, I see color! In Oregon, only the earliest flowers are in bloom – modest daffodils and daphne. But here in Maui, I am treated to deep color and lush foliage. Even the air is exotic – pungent and humid. I haven’t left my apartment yet. I’m drinking my first cup of coffee and enjoying the anticipation.

“The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting” ― Andy Warhol

I’m the girl who never wants to know her gifts in advance, who neither peeks nor shakes. There’s such EXCITEMENT in expectant waiting. My latest camera was purchased without the benefit of anticipation because my previous, duct-taped camera staggered to an unexpected halt (the camera was DUCT-TAPED together, Cherie. How unexpected could its demise be?) at the very start of a two-week photo shoot. I had to cancel the rest of the day’s photography and rush to the nearest camera store to buy a replacement. Not only were the ‘salesmen’ (read: techies with no social skills) rude, but I didn’t get to anticipate. I still haven’t gotten over the disappointment.

“Of all the hardships a person had to face, none was more punishing than the simple act of waiting.” ― Khaled Hosseini, A Thousand Splendid Suns

For some people, imaginative speculation brings anxiety and dread. For others, it is its own reward, and they never move forward into actualization. But I use it to heighten the joy of fulfillment. It’s like holding off an orgasm for just a few more moments. When the release comes, it’s deeper, broader. It’s more fun.

“Well,” said Pooh, “what I like best,” and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn’t know what it was called.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh